Roadway cutting device

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods herein are directed to a roadway cutting device. The roadway cutting device can include a shaft that extends laterally between a first end and a second end. The roadway cutting device can include a first blade coupled to the shaft at a first location along the shaft and a second blade coupled to the shaft at a second location along the shaft. The roadway cutting device can include a spacer disposed between the first blade and the second blade. The first blade and the second blade can rotate simultaneously at the same rotational speed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 63/278,945, filed Nov. 12, 2021, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Concrete roadways are often exposed to extreme environmental conditionsincluding heat, cold, precipitation, and other various elements.Conventional concrete roadways and sidewalks typically include differenttypes of joints, such as longitudinal and traverse joints, to controlcracking and prevent excess stresses from developing. In somecircumstances, excessive heat, cold, or precipitation may cause portionsof concrete roadways to heave at the joints. Relief cuts in concreteroadways may reduce such heaving by allowing a wider space for theconcrete to expand in hot temperatures and retract in cold temperatures.However, conventional cutting devices do not provide means for creatingrelief cuts of equal depth at equal distances from one another, whichcan cause stress points to form in the roadways. Accordingly, it wouldbe advantageous to provide a cutting device to simultaneously create aplurality of equal relief cuts in concrete roadways at various locationsbetween the joints to allow for extra space for the concrete to expandand retract with varying temperatures.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a roadway cuttingdevice. The roadway cutting device can include a shaft that extendslaterally between a first end and a second end. The roadway cuttingdevice can include a first blade coupled to the shaft at a firstlocation along the shaft and a second blade coupled to the shaft at asecond location along the shaft. The roadway cutting device can includea spacer disposed between the first blade and the second blade. Thefirst blade and the second blade can rotate simultaneously at the samerotational speed.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a roadwaycutting device. The roadway cutting device can include a hexagonal shaftthat extends between a first end and a second end. The roadway cuttingdevice can include a stopper coupled to the first end of the hexagonalshaft. The stopper can facilitate coupling the hexagonal shaft to aportion of a machine. The roadway cutting device can include a pluralityof blade sets each having a plurality of blades coupled to the hexagonalshaft by a connector assembly. The roadway cutting device can include aplurality of spacers slidably coupled to the hexagonal shaft. A firstsubset of the plurality of spacers is disposed between a first blade anda second blade of a first blade set. A second subset of the plurality ofspacers is disposed between the first blade of the first blade set and athird blade of a second blade set.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method ofmanufacturing a roadway cutting device. The method can include providinga hexagonal shaft extending between a first end having a first stopperand a second end free from the first stopper. The method can includesliding a first subset of spacers along the hexagonal shaft from thesecond end toward the first end. The method can include sliding a firstconnector along the hexagonal shaft from the second end toward the firstend such that the first connector engages with a portion of the firstsubset of spacers. The method can include sliding a first blade alongthe hexagonal shaft from the second end toward the first end such thatthe first blade at least partially engages with the first connector. Themethod can include sliding a first connector cap along the hexagonalshaft from the second end toward the first end such that the firstconnector cap engages with a portion of the first blade. The method caninclude sliding a second subset of spacers along the hexagonal shaftfrom the second end toward the first end. The method can include slidinga second connector along the hexagonal shaft from the second end towardthe first end such that the second connector engages with a portion ofthe second subset of spacers. The method can include sliding a secondblade along the hexagonal shaft from the second end toward the first endsuch that the second blade at least partially engages the secondconnector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will become more fully understood from the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a roadway cutting device, according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the roadway cutting deviceof FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the roadwaycutting device of FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the roadway cutting deviceof FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the roadwaycutting device of FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the roadwaycutting device of FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the roadway cutting deviceof FIG. 1 in a first manufacturing state, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the roadway cutting deviceof FIG. 1 in a second manufacturing state, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the roadway cutting deviceof FIG. 1 in a third manufacturing state, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the roadway cutting device of FIG. 1coupled with machinery, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an example of a set of relief cuts produced by the roadwaycutting device of FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a process of manufacturing the roadway cuttingdevice of FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the presentapplication is not limited to the details or methodology set forth inthe description or illustrated in the figures. It should also beunderstood that the terminology is for the purpose of description onlyand should not be regarded as limiting.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a roadway cutting device is shown.In various embodiments, the roadway cutting device may be used to createrelief cuts (e.g., slots) in various roadways including, but not limitedto, concrete roads, sidewalks, bridges, or the like. The roadway cuttingdevice may include a plurality of blade sets, each including one or moreblades. The blade sets may each couple to a portion of a shaft of theroadway cutting device, such as a hex shaft. The roadway cutting devicemay include several spacers positioned in between each blade set or oneor more blades of the blade sets, such that each blade set is positioneda predetermined distance between one another along the shaft (e.g., 1millimeter apart, 10 millimeters apart, 100 millimeters apart, 500millimeters apart, etc.).

The roadway cutting device may include one or more stoppers positionedat an end portion of the shaft to facilitate maintaining the spacers andblade sets in place. The stoppers may facilitate coupling the shaft to aportion of a machine, such as a skid-steer loader with hydrauliccapacity or another machine. The roadway cutting device may beconfigured to create several cuts of equal depths into a roadway. Insome embodiments, each cut may be equidistant in relation to another. Insome embodiments, at least two cuts may be equidistant in relation toanother. In some embodiments, each cut may be positioned at variousdistances in relation to one another. The roadway cutting device mayoperably couple to one or more motors configured to rotate each blade ofthe blade sets. Each blade of the blade sets may rotate at a samerotational speed for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 1 second, 10seconds, 100 seconds, etc.) to create a plurality of equally sized(e.g., in depth, width, etc.) relief cuts.

According to the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 , a roadwaycutting device 100 is shown. In various embodiments, the roadway cuttingdevice 100 is configured to couple (e.g., via structure 90 and machineattachment 94) to a portion of machinery 1002 (as shown in FIG. 10 ),such as construction machinery including, but not limited to, askid-steer loader with hydraulic capacity. In various embodiments, theroadway cutting device 100 is configured to couple to a portion ofvarious other on-road or off-road vehicles or machinery, such as asemi-truck, a bus, farming machinery, or the like. While the exemplaryembodiment shown throughout the figures is generally shown coupled to amachine attachment 94, it should be noted that the roadway cuttingdevice 100 may be configured to couple to machinery through variousother attachment fixtures.

As shown in FIG. 1-4 , the roadway cutting device 100 can include ashaft, shown as shaft 302. According to an exemplary embodiment, theshaft 302 is a standard hexagonal shaft. In various other embodiments,the shaft 302 may include various other rod shapes including, but notlimited to, cylindrical, square, asymmetrical, a combination thereof, oranother shape. According to an exemplary embodiment, the shaft 302 isuniform in diameter extending from a first end 402 to a second end 404.In various other embodiments, the shaft 302 may vary in diameter, shape,or size. In various embodiments, the shaft 302 may include one or morethreaded portions. In various embodiments, the shaft 302 is made of ametallic material. For example, the shaft 302 may be made of steel.

In various embodiments, the cutting device 100 includes one or morestoppers 304 to facilitate coupling the shaft 302 to a portion ofmachinery (as shown by machine attachment 94). For example, the stopper304 may be configured to couple with an end portion of the shaft 302(e.g., second end 404) and a portion of the machinery, as shown in FIG.3 . As shown in FIG. 3 , the stopper 304 may include a first opening 306to receive an end portion of the shaft 302. In various embodiments, thefirst opening 306 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of theshaft 302 (e.g., a hexagonal opening) such that the stopper 304 does notrotate relative to the shaft 302 when the stopper 304 is coupled to theshaft 302 (e.g., when the first opening 306 receives the shaft 302). Invarious embodiments, a maximum width of the first opening 306 (e.g., across-sectional dimension of the opening 306) may be about equal to orslightly larger than the largest width of the shaft 302 (e.g., across-sectional dimension of the hex shaft) such that the shaft 302engages with the first opening 306 of the stopper 304 when the stopper304 receives a portion of the shaft 302. For example, an end portion ofthe shaft 302 may be configured to be press-fitted into a portion of thefirst opening 306. In various embodiments, the first opening 306 variesin size or shape to facilitate engaging with the end portion of theshaft 302.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the stopper 304 includes a secondopening 308 to receive a portion of machinery (e.g., machine attachment94). In various embodiments, the second opening 308 may be positionedopposite the first opening 306, as shown in FIG. 3 . The second opening308 of the stopper 304 may be configured to receive a portion of themachine attachment 94, such as a shaft, rod, projection, or othercomponent. The second opening 308 may vary in size or shape to receive aportion of the machinery. In various embodiments, the second opening 308may receive a portion of a motor assembly operably coupled to themachinery and configured to rotate the shaft 302, as described ingreater detail herein.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the stopper 304 is machined fromsteel, such as carbon steel. In various embodiments, the stopper 304 maybe manufactured through various processes including, but not limited to,milling, lathing, laser cutting, water jetting, additive manufacturingtechniques, or other techniques.

The roadway cutting device 100 may include one or more blade sets 104.For example, the blade sets 104 may include at least one blade 202(e.g., shown as first blade 202 a and second blade 202 b in FIGS. 2-4 ).According to an exemplary embodiment, each blade set 104 includes twoblades 202 (e.g., first blade 202 a and second blade 202b). In variousother embodiments, each blade set 104 may include more or less blades202. In various embodiments, each blade set 104 may include a differentnumber of blades 202 (e.g., a first blade set 104 includes two blades202, a second blade set 104 includes one blade 202, etc.)

In various embodiments, each blade set 104 may be at least partiallycovered by a portion (e.g., cover 114) of the machine or machineattachment 94, as shown in FIG. 1 . For example, the cover 114 maysurround a portion of each blade 202 of the blade set 104 such that,during operation of the cutting device 100 (e.g., while each blade ofthe blade set 104 is rotating), the cover 114 may facilitate preventingdebris (e.g., dirt, dust, fluid, etc.) from expelling from the blades202 of each blade set 104.

In various embodiments, each blade set 104 may be positioned a specifieddistance apart from one another along the shaft 302 (e.g., a first bladeof a first blade set 104 positioned apart from a first blade of a secondblade set 104). For example, the roadway cutting device 100 may includeat least one spacer 106 positioned along or otherwise coupled to theshaft 302 in between two or more blade sets 104, as shown throughout thefigures. In some embodiments, the device 100 may include a plurality ofspacers 106 positioned along or otherwise coupled to the shaft 302 inbetween two or more blade sets 104. In some embodiments, the device 100may include one spacer 106 positioned along the shaft 302 in between twoblade sets 104. According to an exemplary embodiment, each spacer 106 ofthe plurality of spacers 106 is the same size, dimension, and shape. Invarious other embodiments, the spacers 106 may vary in size, shape, ordimension.

According to an exemplary embodiment, each blade set 104 is positionedat a predetermined distance from one another. For example, as shown inFIGS. 1-3 , a predetermined number of spacers 106 may be disposedbetween a first blade set 104 and a second blade set 104 positionedalong the shaft 302. By way of example, the cutting device 100 mayinclude sixteen spacers 106 disposed along the shaft 302 between twoblade sets 104 (e.g., between a first blade of a first blade set and afirst blade of a second blade set). In various other examples, thecutting device 100 may include more or less spacers 106 such that theblade sets 104 are spaced closer to or further apart from one another.

The spacers 106 can vary in size or shape depending on the application.By way of example, sixteen spacers 106 each having a width of about 15.6millimeters (e.g., laterally along the shaft) provides a set distance of250 millimeters between two blades 202 along the shaft 302. According toanother example, three spacers 106 each having a width of about 10millimeters provides a set distance of 30 millimeters between two blades202 along the shaft. These examples are for illustrative purposes onlyand are in no way limiting to the present disclosure. In variousembodiments, each spacer 106 may be significantly smaller (e.g., 1 mm)or significantly larger (e.g., 250 mm) than the above examples.

In various embodiments, each blade 202 of the blade set 104 may bepositioned a specified distance apart from one another along the shaft302. For example, the spacers 106 may be disposed between a first blade202 a of a blade set 104 and a second blade 202 b of the same blade set104. In various embodiments, the spacers 106 positioned between eachblade 202 may be the same as the spacers 106 positioned between eachblade set 104. In various other embodiments, the spacers 106 positionedbetween each blade 202 may differ (e.g., in size, shape, dimension,etc.) from the spacers 106 positioned between each blade set 104. By wayof example, the roadway cutting device 100 may include three spacers 106disposed along the shaft 302 between a first blade 202 a and a secondblade 202 b of a blade set 104. In various other examples, the blade set104 may include more or less spacers disposed between each blade 202.

By way of non-limiting example, a first blade (e.g., blade 202 a shownin FIG. 5 ) is positioned at a first location along the shaft 302, asecond blade (e.g., blade 202 b shown in FIG. 5 ) is positioned at asecond location along the shaft 302, a third blade (e.g., blade 202 cshown in FIG. 5 ) is positioned at a third location along the shaft 302,and a fourth blade (e.g., blade 202 d shown in FIG. 5 ) is positioned afourth location along the shaft 302. As shown in the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 5 , the first blade 202 a and the second blade 202 bare spaced a first lateral distance apart along the shaft 302, while thefirst blade 202 a and the third blade 202 c are spaced a second lateraldistance apart along the shaft 302 that is greater than the firstdistance (e.g., more spacers 106 disposed between the first blade 202 aand the third blade 202 c than between the first blade 202 a and thesecond blade 202 b). The third blade 202 c and the fourth blade 202 dcan be positioned the first lateral distance apart along the shaft 302(e.g., the same distance between the first blade 202 a and the secondblade 202 b, the same amount of spacers between the first blade 202 aand the second blade 202 b, etc.). The second blade 202 b and the fourthblade 202 d can be positioned the second lateral distance apart alongthe shaft 302 (e.g., the same distance between the first blade 202 a andthe third blade 202 c, the same amount of spacers, etc.). While theexemplary embodiments shown in the figures include a plurality ofequally-sized spacers 106, the device 100 may alternatively oradditionally include a first spacer 106 of a first size and a secondspacer 106 of a second size to position each blade 202 as described.

The spacers 106 may couple to the shaft through various means. Accordingto an exemplary embodiment, each spacer 106 includes a through-hole(e.g., aperture, opening, slot, etc.) positioned at approximately acenter portion of the spacer 106, as shown in the cross-sectional viewof the cutting device 100 in FIG. 5 . In various embodiments, eachspacer 106 includes a cylindrical shape. In such embodiments, thethrough-hole may be positioned near a center point of an annular face ofthe spacer 106, as shown throughout the figures.

In various embodiments, the through-hole of the spacer 106 is the sameshape as the shaft 302 (e.g., a hexagonal hole), such that the spacer106 does not rotate relative to the shaft 302 when the spacer 106 iscoupled to the shaft 302. In various embodiments, the through-holes ofeach spacer 106 are approximately the size of the shaft 302 (e.g., thehexagonal perimeter of the through-hole is just slightly larger than thehexagonal perimeter of the shaft 302) such that the shaft 302 canreceive the spacer 106 by the through-hole (e.g., the spacer 106 slidesonto the shaft 302 from the first end 402 or the second end 404).

In various embodiments, the spacers 106 are slidably coupled to theshaft 302 such that the spacers 106 can move laterally along the shaftfrom the first end 402 to the second end 404 or from the second end 404to the first end 402. In various other embodiments, the spacers 106 mayrigidly couple to the shaft 302 either during or after manufacturing ofthe cutting device 100. For example, the spacers 106 may be fastened tothe shaft 302 via one or more techniques including, but not limited to,fasteners, welding, adhesives, or other similar mechanisms.

The spacers 106 may be made of various materials. According to anexemplary embodiment, the spacers 106 are laser-cut steel. In variousother embodiments, the spacers 106 may be made of another metallicmaterial including, but not limited to, aluminum, brass, copper, or thelike. In various embodiments, the spacers 106 may include a non-metallicmaterial including plastic, resins, or the like. In various embodiments,the spacers 106 may be manufactured through various means includingmilling, lathing, water jetting, forging, additive manufacturing, or thelike.

According to an exemplary embodiment, each blade 202 is coupled to theshaft 302 by a connector assembly 108. For example, the connectorassembly 108 may include a connector base 502 and a connector cap 504,as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , and among others. In various embodiments,the connector base 502 includes a through-hole to slidably couple to theshaft 302. In various embodiments, the through-hole of the connectorbase is the same shape as the shaft 302 (e.g., a hexagonal hole), suchthat the connector base 502 does not rotate relative to the shaft 302when the connector base 502 is coupled to the shaft 302. For example,the through-hole of the connector base 502 may be about equal to thesize of the shaft 302 (e.g., the hexagonal perimeter of the through-holeis slightly larger than the hexagonal perimeter of the shaft 302) suchthat the connector base 502 can slide along the shaft 302 (e.g., fromthe first end 402 to the second end 404).

In various embodiments, the connector base 502 includes a bearingprojection 602 to engage with a portion of the blade 202, as shown inFIG. 6 . For example, the blade 202 may include a through-holepositioned at approximately the center of the blade 202 to slidablycouple to the shaft 302 through the bearing projection 602, as shownthroughout the figures. For example, the bearing projection 602 maysurround a portion of the shaft 302. In some embodiments, the bearingprojection 602 may include one or more components that fix the bearingprojection 602 relative to the shaft 302 such that the bearingprojection 602 does not rotate relative to the shaft 302 when theconnector base 502 is coupled to the shaft 302. For example, in variousembodiments, the through-hole of the blade 202 is the same shape as theshaft 302 (e.g., a hexagonal hole), such that the blade 202 does notrotate relative to the shaft 302 when the blade 202 is coupled to theshaft 302. The through-hole of the blade 202 may be about equal to thesize of the bearing projection 602 (e.g., the hexagonal perimeter of thethrough-hole is slightly larger than the outer hexagonal perimeter ofthe bearing projection 602) such that the connector cap 504 can slidealong the shaft 302 (e.g., from the first end 402 to the second end 404)and overlap a portion of the outer hexagonal perimeter of the bearingprojection 602.

Similarly, in various embodiments, the connector cap 504 can include athrough-hole to slidably couple to the shaft 302 through the bearingprojection 602. In various embodiments, the through-hole of theconnector cap 504 is the same shape as the shaft 302 (e.g., a hexagonalhole), such that the connector cap 504 does not rotate relative to theshaft 302 when the connector cap 504 is coupled to the shaft 302. Forexample, the through-hole of the connector cap 504 may be about equal tothe size of the bearing projection 602 (e.g., the hexagonal perimeter ofthe through-hole is slightly larger than the outer hexagonal perimeterof the bearing projection 602) such that the connector cap 504 can slidealong the shaft 302 (e.g., from the first end 402 to the second end 404)and overlap a portion of the outer hexagonal perimeter of the bearingprojection 602.

In various embodiments, the connector assembly 108 is configured suchthat the connector base 502 engages with a first side of a blade 202 andthe connector cap 504 engages with an opposing second side of the sameblade 202, as shown throughout the figures. For example, as discussed ingreater detail below, during manufacturing of the cutting device 100,the connector base 502 can first slide onto the shaft 302 by thethrough-hole of the connector base 502 (e.g., from the second end 404toward the first end 402). The blade 202 could then slide along theshaft 302 by the through-hole of the blade 202 (e.g., from the secondend 404 toward the first end 402) until the blade at least partiallyengages the connector base 502 (e.g., a portion of a first side of theblade 202 is flush with a portion of the connector base 502). Then, theconnector cap 504 can slide along the shaft 302 by the through-hole ofthe connector cap 504 (e.g., from the second end 404 toward the firstend 402) until the connector cap 504 at least partially engages with aportion of the connector base 502 or the blade 202 (e.g., a portion of asecond side opposing the first side of the blade 202 is flush with aportion of the connector cap 504). In this configuration, the blade 202is disposed between the connector base 502 and the connector cap 504.

In various embodiments, the connector assembly 108 includes one or morefasteners to facilitate coupling the connector base 502, the blade 202,and the connector cap 504 to one another. As shown in FIG. 6 , theconnector base 502, the blade 202, and the connector cap 504 can eachinclude an aperture 604 for receiving a portion of a fastener. By way ofexample, the aperture 604 can receive a hardened bolt, screw, or otherfastener. One or more nuts can couple to the fastener to furtherfacilitate coupling the connector base 502, the blade 202, and theconnector cap 504 with one another. For example, a hardened bolt canextend within the aperture 604 from the connector cap 504 toward theconnector base 502 (or vice versa). A nut can then couple to a portionof the bolt adjacent the connector base 502 such that the connector base502, the blade 202, and the connector cap 504 are rigidly joined. Insuch configuration, the connector base 502, the blade 202, and theconnector cap 504 can rigidly join and couple to the shaft 302 such thatrotation of the shaft 302 causes rotation of the connector base 502, theblade 202, and the connector cap 504.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the roadway cutting device 100includes four blade sets 104, as shown throughout the figures. Invarious other embodiments, the roadway cutting device 100 may includemore or less blade sets 104. For example, the roadway cutting device 100may include one blade set 104. The roadway cutting device 100 mayinclude two blade sets 104, as another example. The roadway cuttingdevice 100 may include three blade sets 104, as yet another example. Invarious examples, the roadway cutting device 100 may include four ormore than four blade sets 104.

In various embodiments, the connector base 502 or the connector cap 504are made from various metallic materials including, but not limited to,steel, aluminum, brass, copper, or the like. In various embodiments, theconnector base 502 or the connector cap 504 are made from a combinationof various metallic and non-metallic material including plastic, resins,or the like. In various embodiments, from various subtractivemanufacturing methods including lathing, milling, or other similarmachining methods.

In various embodiments, the blades 202 are made of a combination ofvarious metallic and non-metallic materials. For example, the blades 202may be made from a combination of various metals including, but notlimited to, steel, aluminum, brass, copper, or the like. In variousembodiments, the blades 202 may include one or more additional hardeningfeatures. For example, the blades 202 may include a diamond coatingsurrounding an edge portion (e.g., away from the shaft). In variousembodiments, the blades 202 may include another material to facilitateextending the lifecycle of the blade (e.g., by reducing fatigue stress,etc.).

In various embodiments, each blade set 104, connector assembly 108, orspacer 106 may be configured to rotate simultaneously upon rotation ofthe shaft 302. For example, a motor assembly may operably couple to theshaft 302 to cause the shaft 302 to rotate. In various embodiments, theshaft 302 may operably couple to two motor assemblies (e.g., a firstmotor coupled proximate the first end 402 of the shaft 302 and a secondmotor coupled proximate the second end 404 of the shaft 302.) Forexample, as discussed above, a first motor shaft may operably couple toa first stopper 304 disposed at the first end 402 of the shaft 302(e.g., via the second opening 308). A second motor shaft may operablycouple to a second stopper 304 disposed at the second end 404 of theshaft (e.g., via the second opening 308).

In various embodiments, the motors may be configured to run in seriesrelative to one another. For example, each motor operably coupled to thefirst end 402 and the second end 404 of the shaft 302 may be configuredto run at the same rotational speed, time, or duration, to cause theshaft 302 to rotate at higher levels of torque (e.g., compared to usingonly one motor). Various types of motors may be configured to rotate theshaft 302. For example, one or more electric motors, gas motors, dieselmotors, hydraulic motors, pneumatic motors, or the like may operablycouple to the shaft 302 to cause the shaft 302 to rotate.

In various embodiments, each blade 202 may be configured to rotate atthe same speed and duration such that the cutting device 100 creates aplurality of cuts each having the same length, depth, and width. By wayof example, the cutting device 100 shown throughout the figures includesfour blade sets 104 each having two blades 202. In this exampleembodiments, the cutting device 100 can create 8 cuts (2 per blade set104) into a roadway. Two cuts from a first blade set 104 can be spaced apredetermined distance away from two cuts from a second blade set 104 ofthe four blade sets 104. For example, the cutting device 100 can includesixteen spacers 106 positioned between the first blade set 104 and thesecond blade set 104 such that the cuts of each blade set 104 ispositioned a distance of the width of sixteen spacers 106 apart from oneanother. In the same example, each blade 202 of each blade set 104 mayalso be spaced a second predetermined space apart from one another. Forexample, the cutting device 100 may include three spacers 106 positionedbetween each blade 202 of the blade sets 104 such that each cut made bythe blades 202 in each blade set 104 are spaced a distance of the widthof three spacers 106 apart from one another.

FIG. 10 depicts the roadway cutting device 100 coupled to a portion ofmachinery 1002, such as construction machinery. As shown in FIG. 10 ,the roadway cutting device 100 can couple to one or more portions of themachinery 1002 (e.g., via structure 90 and machine attachment 94) suchthat the roadway cutting device 100 can operate with the machinery 1002.For example, the machinery 1002 may include one or more wheels tofacilitate moving the roadway cutting device 100 along a roadway (e.g.,shown as roadway 1004) for the device 100 to create cuts into theroadway 1004.

FIG. 11 depicts one example of a set 1104 of relief cuts 1102. Forexample, FIG. 11 depicts an example of two sets 1104 of relief cuts 1102on a roadway 1004. As shown in FIG. 11 , the roadway cutting device 100may be configured to cut a first set 1104 of relief cuts 1102 (e.g.,shown as cut 1102 a and 1102 b). The roadway cutting device 100 may beconfigured to cut a second set 1104 of relief cuts 1102 (e.g., shown ascut 1102 c and cut 1102 d) at a predetermined distance from the firstset 1104. As shown in FIG. 11 , each set 1104 of relief cuts 1102 maycorrespond to a respective blade set 104 and each relief cut 1102 maycorrespond to a respective blade 202, such that each set 1104 of cuts1102 is spaced a predetermined distant apart from one another (e.g.,corresponding to a distance between blade sets 104). Similarly, each cut1102 may be spaced a predetermined distance apart from one another(e.g., corresponding to a distance between each blade 202 of one bladeset 104).

FIG. 12 depicts an illustration of a method 1200 of manufacturing acutting device 100, according to an exemplary embodiment. The method1200 can include providing a hexagonal shaft 302 extending between afirst end 402 having a first stopper 304 and a second free end 404, asdepicted at step 1202. For example, the first end 402 may oppose thesecond end 404, as shown throughout the figures.

The method 1200 can include sliding, along the shaft 302, a first subsetof spacers 106 from the second free end 404 toward the first end 402having the stopper 304, as depicted in step 1204. For example, the firstsubset of spacers 106 can slide along the shaft 302 such that a spacer106 of the first subset of spacers 106 engages the first stopper 304.

The method 1200 can include sliding, along the shaft 302, a firstconnector base 502 along the shaft 302 from the second free end 404toward the first end 402, as depicted in step 1206. For example, thefirst connector base 502 can slide along the shaft 302 such that thefirst connector base 502 engages with a spacer 106 of the first subsetof spacers 106.

The method 1200 can include sliding, along the shaft 302, a first blade202 from the second end 404 toward the first end 402, as depicted instep 1208. For example, the first blade 202 can slide along the shaft302 such that the first blade 202 engages with a portion of the firstconnector base 502.

The method 1200 can include sliding, along the shaft 302, a firstconnector cap 504 from the second end 404 toward the first end 402, asdepicted in step 1210. For example, the first connector cap 504 canslide along the shaft 302 such that the first connector cap 504 engageswith a portion of the first blade 202.

The method 1200 can include sliding, along the shaft 302, a secondsubset of spacers 106 from the second end 404 toward the first end 402,as depicted in step 1212. For example, the second subset of spacers 106can slide along the shaft 302 such that a spacer 106 of the secondsubset of spacers 106 engages with a portion of the first connector cap504.

The method 1200 can include sliding, along the shaft 302, a secondconnector base 502 along the shaft 302 from the second free end 404toward the first end 402, as depicted in step 1214. For example, thesecond connector base 502 can slide along the shaft 302 such that thesecond connector base 502 engages with a spacer 106 of the second subsetof spacers 106.

The method 1200 can include sliding, along the shaft 302, a second blade202 from the second end 404 toward the first end 402, as depicted instep 1216. For example, the second blade 202 can slide along the shaft302 such that the second blade 202 engages with a portion of the secondconnector base 502.

A portion of the method 1200 is illustrated throughout FIGS. 7-9 . Forexample, FIG. 7 illustrates a subset of spacers (shown as subset 702)sliding along the shaft 302 from the second end 404 toward the first end402 (not shown in FIG. 7 ). The subset 702 can slide along the shaft 302such that at least one spacer abuts a portion of the connector cap 504,as shown in FIG. 7 .

FIG. 8 illustrates a connector base 502 slid along the shaft 302 fromthe second end 404 toward the first end 402 (not shown in FIG. 8 ). Theconnector base 502 can engage with a portion of the subset 702 ofspacers, as shown in FIG. 8 . FIG. 9 illustrates a blade 202 slid alongthe shaft 302 to engage with a portion of the connector cap 504. FIG. 9also shows a connector cap 504 slid along the shaft 302 to engage with aportion of the connector base 502 (not shown) and another subset ofspacers 902 disposed between a first connector base (not shown in FIG. 9) and a second connector base (shown as the connect base 502 positionedclosest to the second end 404).

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,”and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony withthe common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art towhich the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should beunderstood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure thatthese terms are intended to allow a description of certain featuresdescribed and claimed without restricting the scope of these features tothe precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms shouldbe interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in theappended claims.

It should be noted that the terms “exemplary” and “example” as usedherein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that suchembodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrationsof possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote thatsuch embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent, etc.) or moveable (e.g.,removable, releasable, etc.). Such joining may be achieved with the twomembers or the two members and any additional intermediate members beingintegrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with thetwo members or the two members and any additional intermediate membersbeing attached to one another.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”“above,” “below,” “between,” etc.) are merely used to describe theorientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted thatthe orientation of various elements may differ according to otherexemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to beencompassed by the present disclosure.

Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in itsexclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list ofelements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in thelist. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, andZ,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood withthe context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may beeither X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Z, or X, Y, and Z (i.e., anycombination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is notgenerally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at leastone of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present,unless otherwise indicated.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of thesystems as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only.Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have beendescribed in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosurewill readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g.,variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions ofthe various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, useof materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departingfrom the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited.For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed ofmultiple parts or elements. It should be noted that the elements and/orassemblies of the components described herein may be constructed fromany of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength ordurability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, andcombinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to beincluded within the scope of the present inventions. Othersubstitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in thedesign, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and otherexemplary embodiments without departing from scope of the presentdisclosure or from the spirit of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A roadway cutting device, comprising: a shaftthat extends laterally between a first end and a second end; a firstblade coupled to the shaft at a first location along the shaft; a secondblade coupled to the shaft at a second location along the shaft; and aspacer disposed between the first blade and the second blade; whereinthe roadway cutting device is configured such that the first blade andthe second blade are rotated simultaneously at the same rotationalspeed.
 2. The roadway cutting device of claim 1, wherein the spacer isconfigured to inhibit lateral movement of the first blade and the secondblade along the shaft.
 3. The roadway cutting device of claim 1, furthercomprising a third blade coupled to the shaft at a third location alongthe shaft, wherein a lateral distance along the shaft between the firstlocation and the third location is different than a lateral distancealong the shaft between the first location and the second location. 4.The roadway cutting device of claim 3, further comprising a fourth bladecoupled to the shaft at a fourth location along the shaft, wherein alateral distance along the shaft between the third location and thefourth location is the same as the lateral distance along the shaftbetween the first location and the second location.
 5. The roadwaycutting device of claim 4, wherein the lateral distance along the shaftbetween the first location and the third location is the same as alateral distance along the shaft between the second location and thefourth location.
 6. The roadway cutting device of claim 3, furthercomprising a second spacer disposed between the second blade and thethird blade.
 7. The roadway cutting device of claim 1, wherein the shafthas a hexagonal cross-section.
 8. The roadway cutting device of claim 1,further comprising a shaft connector assembly configured to couple thefirst blade to the shaft.
 9. The roadway cutting device of claim 1,further comprising a stopper coupled to a portion of the first end ofthe shaft.
 10. A roadway cutting device, comprising: a hexagonal shaftthat extends between a first end and a second end; a stopper coupled tothe first end of the hexagonal shaft and configured to facilitatecoupling the hexagonal shaft to a portion of a machine; a plurality ofblade sets each having a plurality of blades each coupled to thehexagonal shaft by a connector assembly; a plurality of spacers slidablycoupled to the hexagonal shaft; wherein a first subset of the pluralityof spacers is disposed between a first blade and a second blade of afirst blade set; and wherein a second subset of the plurality of spacersis disposed between the first blade of the first blade set and a thirdblade of a second blade set.
 11. The roadway cutting device of claim 10,wherein the second subset of the plurality of spacers includes morespacers than the first subset of the plurality of spacers.
 12. Theroadway cutting device of claim 10, wherein each blade is coupled to thehexagonal shaft such that each blade is configured to rotate in responseto a rotation of the hexagonal shaft.
 13. A method of manufacturing aroadway cutting device, comprising: providing a shaft extending betweena first end having a first stopper and a second end free from the firststopper; sliding a first subset of spacers along the shaft from thesecond end toward the first end; sliding a first connector along theshaft from the second end toward the first end such that the firstconnector engages with a portion of the first subset of spacers; slidinga first blade along the shaft from the second end toward the first endsuch that the first blade at least partially engages with the firstconnector; sliding a first connector cap along the shaft from the secondend toward the first end such that the first connector cap engages witha portion of the first blade; sliding a second subset of spacers alongthe shaft from the second end toward the first end; sliding a secondconnector along the shaft from the second end toward the first end suchthat the second connector engages with a portion of the second subset ofspacers; and sliding a second blade along the shaft from the second endtoward the first end such that the second blade at least partiallyengages the second connector.
 14. The method of claim 13, furthercomprising coupling the first connector to the first blade by afastener.
 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising coupling thefirst blade to the first connector cap by a fastener.
 16. The method ofclaim 13, further comprising sliding a second connector cap along theshaft from the second end toward the first end such that the secondconnector cap engages with a portion of the second blade.
 17. The methodof claim 16, further comprising: sliding a third subset of spacers fromthe second end toward the first end; sliding a third connector along theshaft from the second end toward the first end such that the thirdconnector engages with a portion of the third subset of spacers; andsliding a third blade along the shaft from the second end toward thefirst end such that the third blade at least partially engages the thirdconnector.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising coupling, tothe second end of the shaft, a second stopper.
 19. The method of claim13, further comprising coupling, via the first stopper, the shaft to aportion of a machine.
 20. The method of claim 13, further comprisingcoupling a motor assembly to the first end of the shaft.